Summer Hiking Is All The Rage

If you fancy doing something a bit different this year, why not consider summer hiking. Team up with your friends and make your hike an exhilarating experience. A lot of people do this to get some much needed fresh air and also take advantage of the good weather. Summer hiking is always preferable to winter hiking, as there are far less dangers that lie ahead during summer.

In the winter, there are pitfalls such as rocky mountain ranges covered in snow that can lead to accidents. People often underestimate the dangers of winter hiking, but still they choose to do it. In the summer, the days stay lighter for longer and the warmer weather inevitably means you don't have to carry as many items with you. Layer upon layer of winter clothing often makes a winter hike more difficult to endure. The great thing about summer though is that you can pack much lighter.

More people are quite literally 'warming' to the idea of summer hiking as they find it an inexpensive way to enjoy the weather without having to go abroad and spend a fortune. People of all ages are getting their friends together to go hiking, and they are genuinely making a weekend of the event. Hiking has become popular again and men and women are enjoying the fresh air and the sights they get to see when out and about.

Some assume that hiking is just for the middle-aged, but people in their early twenties are now keen to get involved too. The traditional rambler can be of any age these days and it shows that hiking really has transcended the age barriers. It's something everyone can get involved in and it makes people feel good.

At Hi-Tec, we’re big advocates of summer hiking and we have just the hiking boots you need for the journey. Get in on the experience by inviting your friends and family on a summer hike and revel in the summer sun.

Spring Is In The Air: are you back in prime hiking shape?

The hiking enthusiasts amongst us can't fail to have noticed a significant improvement in the weather over the past couple of weeks. The snowy January days seem long behind us and suddenly there's sunshine at the end of this rather cloudy tunnel we've found ourselves in for the past few months. Winter's been pretty awful this year so more than a few of us fair weather hikers may well have clocked up a few months of near inactivity. So if you haven't been working on getting yourself back in prime shape over these past few weeks, you're lagging behind and you'll only have yourself to blame when you discover too late that a winter of hot chocolate and mince pies has rendered you unfit. It's time to get back into shape!

The simple and unforgettable rule is that the fitter you are, the longer you,ll be able to walk for and the more enjoyment you'll get out of hiking. If you have been inactive to say the least over the past few months you need to start focusing on cardio and strength building exercises. Bear in mind that depending on just how indulgent you've been through the winter it could take you six weeks to get your fitness levels back up: there is no time to lose.

For strength have a go at working out with weights in the gym twice a week. Keep the weights low to begin with and build up gradually. Don't just concentrate on your legs: your general fitness will improve with a little work on your arms, chest and back.

For cardio, have a go at the treadmill or exercise bike three or four times each week. Don't exert yourself but keep your heart rate up. You could also have a go at walking or jogging outside but invest in some good running shoes first: the last thing you need is a running injury that was entirely preventable spoiling the hiking season for you!

As well as checking that you're in good shape, spare a thought for all your hiking equipment. Are your hiking boots up to another year’s hard work or should they be replaced? Is your backpack still in good nick? And do you have all the hiking equipment you need for your safety?

Here’s to another summer of great hiking!

Golf Shoes That Can Be Functional As Well As Fashionable

In a world of fashion conscious fitness fanatics, the standard golf shoes are no longer bland and basic. Just take a look at the latest range of Hi-Tec golf shoes that cater for both men and women looking for functional footwear with a fashionable edge.

So what has suddenly made golf shoes so popular? And how are they different to normal trainers?

In truth, it is the celebrity magazines and elevated celebrity status that has made women in particular lean more to the stylish footwear for their sporting activities. Golf is one of those sports that some people just can't get into, but others are passionate about it. From seeing the top golfing names succeed in America, golf is now the new 'must-play' sport, and people want golf shoes that complement their inimitable style and presence on the golfing green. At Hi-Tec, we know that golf shoes need to look good and offer the comfort and support needed when playing golf. As you know, precision is everything when it comes to golfing, and that's why we take our golf shoe design seriously. You'll find an impressive selection of golf shoes for both men and women, and the best part is knowing they are from a sports brand with years of experience in creating the very best shoes for all active needs.

Normal trainers are designed for those that are very active and need extra comfort and support when they are exercising, but golf shoes are designed specifically for golfers. Hi-Tec knows what the golfer needs, and we're proud to go the extra mile with our golf shoes. We've even launched the impressive Picadilly WPi golf shoes, which are designed with ion-mask treatment to prevent them getting wet and soaking your feet when you're out on the golfing green. Little extras like this make our golf shoes quite special. But don't just take our word for it - check out our latest golf shoes and indulge in functional and fashionable footwear.

Why it is so amazing to be part of 'Team Hi-Tec'

We have Global Launches twice a year, one in April for the Spring/Summer season and another in October for the Autumn/Winter season. At these launches, Hi-Tec Subsidiaries and Distributors from around the world are brought together and shown the new product and marketing initiatives for the coming season. As a business, we work a year ahead of ourselves, so when we are in Spring/Summer 2010, we begin launching the products for Spring/Summer 2011. This gives the subsidiaries and distributors a whole year to sell these new products in to the trade before it finally hits the consumer market.

I got involved in my first Global Launch (which was for AW09) after 18 months of working in the Hi-Tec Marketing Department. We held it in Manchester in October 2008 and it was my job to co-ordinate all of our delegates; from organising their hotel accommodation to arranging their airport transfers to ensuring everyone was in the right room during the meetings and had a place at the table for dinner. Since then, I've been involved in organising our SS10 Global Launch in Turkey, and our AW10 Regional Launches (3 Global Launches on a smaller scale) in Southend-on-Sea (Essex), Hong Kong and Las Vegas.

Last week saw the Global Launch of our new SS11 Range out in Cape Town. After months of preparation for what promised to be the BIGGEST and BEST launch to-date, a volcano in Iceland erupted, grounding planes all over Europe, intent on ruining everything we had done. Both the Global Product and Marketing teams, and many of the key managers for our International business, were left stranded in the UK Head Office, unable to fly out to South Africa.

BUT, in true Hi-Tec style, colleagues from around the world who'd made it to South Africa pulled together and the show went on! It was such a relief knowing that all our hard work didn't go to waste and I feel so proud and lucky to be part of such an amazing team. With everyone pitching in and lending a hand, we were able to have the BIGGEST and BEST launch the world of Hi-Tec has ever seen. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until early next year to see what all the fuss was about!

Laura Greenaway

Group Marketing Coordinator 

Hiking Kit for a Successful Adventure

In the inimitable words of the Scouts, "Be Prepared" - this is a good ethos for those heading out on hikes over the next few months. Choosing your hiking kit prior to heading out is part of the enjoyment of the expedition and taking a look at the sort of equipment that you need is the best way of planning a hike in the UK or abroad.

Hiking kit can typically be applied to any accessory or piece of equipment that you will either literally require or which it would be a good idea to have during a hiking expedition in the wilderness. First and foremost, it is generally the done thing to compile a hiking kit checklist before strapping up your hiking boots and hitting those dirt trails. Understanding the sort of hiking kit typically required is a good jumping off point for anyone new to the pursuit of adventure hiking.

Hiking Kit Checklist 

Preparation is half the battle, so to speak, and being prepared is imperative when it comes to hiking. Looking in the backpacks of the majority of hikers reveals that the most hiking kit checklists should include the following items:

· Waterproofs - Any seasoned hiker will tell you just how quickly the weather can turn against you and even the sunniest days can turn into absolute stinkers in the blink of an eye. Waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket should be one of the first pieces of hiking kit that is put on the checklist.

· First Aid - Hiking can be quite demanding and, as such, it is important to have a well stocked first aid kit should any scrapes or cuts occur. In order to reduce the likelihood of injuries such as sprains, it is a good idea to purchase a pair of good hiking boots, such as the Hi-Tec Altitude IV Enviro WP.

· Food and Drink - Obviously, hiking a long distance will require considerable reserves of energy and this is something which can be replenished through food and drink at various intervals of the hike. Having a good range of energy boosting foods is a must for all hiking kits.

· Map/GPS - Whether you opt for an old fashioned map or the modern incarnation, GPS, it is imperative to have some form of navigational tool when embarking a hike - particularly if your chosen location is remote.

Hiking kits will differ from person to person but the above list is a good starting point for the sort of hiking equipment that you will require on the average expedition. Ensuring that you are comfortable during a hike is the most crucial aspect and this is typically achieved with well chosen and fitting hiking boots.

Renegade Trail and Altitude Ultra Luxe Review

Eleven-year-old daughters are notoriously difficult to please. Little Miss Outdoors is no different and she knows what she likes, especially when it comes to clothing.

"Funky, black, pink and purple are good," says Little Miss. "Brown, blue and boring are not."

Right!

Thank goodness then that outdoor clothing has come such a long way since my childhood when brown, blue and boring were about as funky as it ever got. These days jackets, rucksacks, fleeces - and even socks, gloves, hats and walking boots come in bright colours, pretty patterns, trendy designs and with a great deal of child-appeal.

Over the years I have been known to bribe Little Miss Outdoors into walking a hill by buying her a flowery fleece or a bright pink kagool. There was a beautiful lilac and purple rucksack that did the trick, too.

Then with the Easter hols looming the kind people at Hi-tec decided to pop a nice new pair of girls' walking boots in the post. The Junior Renegrade Trail Walking boots were timed well on two counts: firstly Little Miss had grown out of last year's boots (children do that annoying growing thing a little too often sometimes!) and secondly I was keen to get Little Miss away from the computer and up a hill.

At the same time those nice Hi-tec people also sent me a new pair of leather V-lite Altitude walking boots.

And so one one warm-ish and not too wet afternoon Little Miss and MumOutdoors set off to summit one of our local hills, Conic at Balmaha.

Said Little Miss of the boots; "Yeh, these look kinda cool. Not too boring and the pink is nice, especially on the bottom of the boot (she meant the chunky, grippy sole).

"They don't slip on my heel, either, and they are comfortable and I've tied the laces tight. All those things I know you're going to ask." she added, cheekily.

During the walk itself Little Miss answered my further quizzing: "Yes, they are light enough. No, they don't feel too heavy. Yes,are gripping the ground. No, I'm not getting wet feet even in the puddles. No, I don't mind if they get muddy because I'm now 11 and not a baby who worries about the pink getting splashed. Yes, they make walking downhill and uphill easy. Yes, I definitely like these. I really do. MUM! Are there any more questions?"

So, I'm thinking, that if the boots are pleasing to an 11-year-old girl who can be short on patience and big on style then they must be pretty good boots, eh?

And mine? Surprisingly I found the leather boots to be really comfy, too. I'd memories of those leather walking boots from my teen years that took months of blisters to turn into something vaguely comfy. The Hi-tec V-lite Altitudes also felt light on my feet and despite having long, thin feet they remained snug for the full hill walk. In particular I thought the padding on the tongue and the inner sole was really generous. The soles were good and grippy. And the leather kept my feet really dry even when I joined Little Miss in a bit of mud wallowing and puddle paddling (well, any excuse really!).

If you want to read all about the technical attributes of these Hi-tec boots - and there are plenty of great details for the very reasonable price tag of £35 for the junior boots and the reasonably reasonable £100 for the women's leather boots - then click on the links above.

I prefer to talk about outdoor kit in terms of comfort and practicalities (and, of course. looks). Both these boots scored well if you're looking for comfortable, no-need-to-wear-in footwear that will handle spring and summer walking on good-to-better trails (puddles and mud included). For stockist check out the website.

 

by Fiona Russell

Take a look at her Blog!

Ways to Take Unforgettable Hiking Pictures

Hiking is an immensely rewarding and enjoyable pursuit and it is natural people will want reminders of their time in the wilderness, which is why most will take dozens of hiking pictures whilst they make their way through the forests or mountain trails. Hiking pictures are something that are easy to get right if you follow a few simple steps - and you are likely to snap some spectacular sights on your hiking walks whether they be in the UK or abroad.

Hiking equipment will always invariably include a camera because there are so many memorable settings to be captured when trekking through the wilderness and these can be captured by considering a few basic principles of taking outdoor photographs. Hiking adventures will be undertaken by thousands of people over the next few months - and once all the hiking gear is sorted and the trails chosen, you can focus on taking hiking pictures which will look great.

Hints For Success With Your Hiking Pictures 
With spring now in full swing and summer fast approaching, there really are few better times to consider hitting the hiking trails - and the opportunities for taking spectacular hiking pictures really are maximised at this time of year. A few tips which will help you capture your hiking memories include:

Depth Perception - When taking hiking pictures with people in them, try to get them to stand at various distances away from the camera as this will really help with improving the sense of depth of a photograph.

Close Ups - Some amazing aspects of nature reveal themselves during hiking treks and taking close ups of things you encounter will give a whole new perspective. For example, flowers, ferns and wildlife can all be captured with extreme close-up photos.

Timing - Generally speaking, most hikers will aim to take their hiking pictures around the late afternoon or early in the morning because this tends to generate the most eye-catching backdrops. The colours and textures of the sky tend to be at their most impressive around this time and can really bring a photo to life.

Making the Most of the Day 

Hiking adventures are there to be enjoyed and taking pictures is something which is done to make sure you have something to remember the day by. It is, of course,, important to get other elements of the day right, such as having the right hiking equipment and footwear. Many hikers today are liking the Hi-Tec V-Lite Fasthike II Low WP for hikes of all lengths and intensities. 

Product Link - http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/55668-product-v_lite_fasthike_ii_low_wp-mens.html